LeBron James to sit out pre-Olympic game

(CNN) -- U.S. basketball star LeBron James has suffered a pre-Olympic injury scare at the team's training camp in Las Vegas and will miss Friday's warmup game against Canada.

The All-Star forward has been diagnosed with a mild right ankle sprain and did not practice with the team as they visited a high school.

"If the gold medal game was tomorrow, he'd play," coach Mike Krzyzewski told the Associated Press.

"But we're not playing the gold medal game, or a medal round game right now. So we would rather be cautious right now.

"I would say right now LeBron wouldn't play on Friday," Krzyzewski added. "I don't think that's a wise decision, especially if he hasn't practiced."

James injured his ankle when he landed on Kevin Durant's foot during a Tuesday match between Team USA and a select squad of young NBA players.

James said it improved overnight, and he moved without a limp after reporters were admitted to the high school gym at the end of practice. "It's a lot better today than it was yesterday," he said.

Asked if he thought he could play against Canada, James said, "Right now it's probably a 'no,' just for precautionary reasons. But I will be ready once we hit the road."

James has had problems with both ankles.

In January, James missed a game with the Cleveland Cavaliers because of an ankle sprain. He returned to score 28 points in a victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on February 2.

A few weeks later, James left a game against Boston late in the first half with an ankle injury. X-rays were negative and James returned for the start of the second.

"I've done it so many times, I don't know if it's right or left (ankle)," James said with a smile.

James and his fellow NBA stars are desperate to win a gold medal in Beijing as the United States looks to re-establish basketball dominance after having to settle for bronze in the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

They face a tough qualification group in Beijing, including hosts China and reigning world champions Spain, both of whom are boasting a host of current NBA stars.

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